Oscar fashion goes green

Best Actress winner Meryl Streep collected her third Academy Award for her performance in "The Iron Lady" channeling Oscar in a glittery gold gown that was actually green at heart, custom-created for her by Lanvin from eco-certified fabric. Colin Firth's wife Livia, who wore a red Valentino gown made from recycled polyester, recruited Streep (who starred with Colin in "Mamma Mia") to participate in her Green Carpet Challenge, and helped source the material for the gown.

In a similar initiative started by actress Suzy Amis Cameron three years ago when she joined director husband James Cameron to promote "Avatar" and wanted to prove that style and sustainability can coexist, the Red Carpet Green Dress challenge contest produced a winner that was elegant and eco-friendly, worn by "The Artist" actress Missi Pyle. Made from organic, ethical silk and hand-dyed with natural mineral pigments and lined with recycled polyester, the turquoise gown was designed by Valentina Delfino, one of 264 designers who submitted sketches.

Other stars opted for vintage dresses, including Natalie Portman, who chose a 58-year-old red strapless gown with tiny polka dots from Christian Dior's 1954 collection, the ultimate in glamorous recycling.